In the town of San Carlos there is fun to be had by all, and Santuario en el Mar is located in the middle of all of it. The bowling alley, golf course and numerous gift shops are all within walking distance, as well as restaurants and bars. The ocean-side location of the villa puts snorkeling and scuba diving literally at your finger tips.

Snorkeling, Diving and Fishing

The 1,000 miles of water that makes up the Sea of Cortez is warm and clear most of the year, which is why the area has been labeled one of the eight premier dive locations in the world. This sea is habitat to over 800 species of fish, including 400 species of shellfish and 3,000 species of marine animals.

There are many dive shops in town that offer equipment rental as well as guided excursion packages and scuba classes. Below are some excellent local shops that can meet needs:

Sonoran Sports Center, www.sonoransportcenter.com, phone from the US 011-52-622-60929.

Gary's Dive Shop www.garysdivemexico.com, phone from the US 011-526-226-0049

El Mar Dive Shop www.elmar.com/mexico, phone from the US 011-52-622-6-0404

For those whose passion is fishing, there is the annual San Carlos Invitational Labor Day Fishing Tournament as well as the International Billfish Tournament held in San Carlos each July.

Beaches

Beaches in Mexico are public property and are considered to be federal zones. There are numerous public beach access points, including:

• La Posada Beach — This beach is within walking distance to the villa, and often hosts local volleyball tournaments and other community activities.
• Los Algodones (Catch 22 Beach) — Access north of San Carlos Plaza Hotel and Convention Center.
• San Francisco Beach — Access east of Fiesta Hotel
• Frenchies Cove — Access to the left past El Mirador RV Park

Check with Jorge for directions, maps and current conditions in these areas and for other areas only accessible by boat.

Other Activities

There are various fiestas going on around town year round. Some of them include the Mexican Party Night every Tuesday at the Plaza San Carlos Hotel (Call 227-0077 ext 509/510 for reservations. Cost $21.00), or Noche Mexicana at Blackies Restaurant every Wednesday (Mexican Music, Food & Tequila, call 226-1525).

Pearl Farm— Visit the First Commercial Cultured Saltwater Pearl Farm in the American Continent, just outside of San Carlos (Bahía de Bacochibampo http://www.perlas.com.mx).

Ferry Boat Service— Passenger & Auto Ferry between Guaymas and Santa Rosalia, Baja, California (http://www.ferrysematur.com.mx, 1-800-696-9600)

Horse Back Riding— El Rancho del Desierto SA de CV, Interior Hotel Paradiso, Playa los Algodones km20
85506 San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas, Sonora / Mexico
Tel : (52) 622-227.0267
Cell : 044-622-855.5930 (local nbr.only)
E-mail : astridranch@hotmail.com
Web-Site : www.astridranch.com

Golf— The Marina San Carlos Golf Club offers an 18 hole Championship Golf Course (011-526-226-1102).

Bowling— The local bowling alley, Bowl San Carlos, is within walking distance of the villa (011-526-226-0201).

Rentals — Rent scooters, cars and vans locally at San Carlos Rent-A-Boogy (011-52-622-60509)